Harvey Norman Super Rugby AU: Team of the Week - Round Six

Another week run and done in Harvey Norman Super Rugby AU, as the Brumbies and Reds extend their gap atop the ladder.

The Brumbies beat the Force on Friday night before Queensland rubbed salt into the wounds of the Waratahs at Stadium Australia on Saturday night.

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But who impressed and made our Team of the Week?

1. James Slipper

Started at tighthead for this regular loosey, but we couldn’t go past his shift at GIO stadium. We have said it before, but Slips is like a nice red – better with age. Have to think he’s already got one hand on the Wallabies number 1 jersey.

2. Alex Mafi

How often would a reserve hooker make the Team of the Week? Next question, how many reserve hookers have scored a hat-trick off the bench, and in 15 minutes? Mafi’s weekend got even better on Sunday when Dave Rennie gave him high praise during his press conference about the Wallabies camp squad.

3. Taniela Tupou

Big Taniela seemed grumpy at times on Saturday as he tore into the Tahs scrum and looked like he wanted greater reward from the referee. Didn’t have to wait long to see the big smile back on his face though, with a huge goose step, before barging over Carlo Tizzano to score a scintillating Reds try.

4. Ryan Smith 

First Super Rugby start and first Team of the Week honour. It’s an easy game at times! Smith was reserved special mention by Brad Thorn midweek and the former labourer delivered on Saturday night. A great story and reminder for all those in club land to never give up on those dreams of higher honours.

5. Cadeyrn Neville

Speaking of higher honours and sticking to your dream – Cadeyrn Neville has GOT to be close to a maiden Test jersey, at the ripe old age of 32. Is a constant menace in the defensive maul, has a massive engine and is athletic for a big man. A performance we’re getting used to seeing.

6. Rob Valetini

This really seems like Rob’s year. Valetini was immensely impressive on Friday night, adding yet another Team of the Week honour to his growing resume. So abrasive on both sides of the ball and a key linkman for Dan McKellar’s attack. Now to translate it to Test level.

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7. Fraser McReight

Has been unlucky to miss out in previous weeks but his standards haven’t dropped all year. A top talent who is fending off competition from challengers for Test duty. A lovely set of hands and a terrier at the breakdown. Appears settled at this level but plenty of hunger to go that step further.

8. Seru Uru

What a week for Seru Uru. Seems like you could put the big man in any position on the field and he will flourish. Ok, maybe not the front row – but this week, he was Number 8 (in place of Harry Wilson don’t mind if I do) and he shone yet again. Has pace, footy smarts, is a genuine lineout option and throws himself into attack and defence. By most measures, he’s a Wallaby bolter but by the end of the season he could be a Test regular.

9.Tate McDermott

And the same may be said for TateMcDermott. We said it in the rugby.com.au commentary on Saturday night but Tate just finds a way. The naysayers will talk of a kicking game, or lack thereof, but McDermott isn’t getting much time to practice it in this all-out Reds attack. And I’m here for this level free-flowing footy.

10. James O’Connor

Calm, composed and with a killer instinct. A beautifully executed cross-field kick to Filipo Daugunu on the stroke of half-time took some wind out of the Tahs sails, and JOC didn’t show mercy in the second period. Just seems to have time on his hands at the moment, but it probably helps being behind this Reds pack.

11. Filipo Daugunu

We have seen it over the last few yearsnow but Daugunu’s quick feet just before stepping into contact must be mesmerising for opposition defenders. Built like granite and with feet that would make a tapdancer proud.

12. Izaia Perese

Plenty of people are keen to put Perese under the microscope but Izzy stood tall on Saturday night at Stadium Australia. The Reds defence didn’t want anything to do with him as he consistently barged into bigger bodies and got over the gain line. Hasn’t lost his speed either. Filipo Daugunu raced away after a turnover on the Reds line, and Perese turned, then chased down his highly fancied opponent.

13. Len Ikitau

What a year it has been for Len Ikitau. No one knew who he was 12 months ago, and some thought he’d struggle to fill the void left by Tevita Kuridrani. But this kid is next level. Footwork, fend, tries – and a bit of a kicking game. The future is bright for Aussie centres. An almighty selection headache coming for Dave Rennie.

14. Andy Muirhead

Two tries. Thanks for coming. Life can be easy for wingers sometimes (this writer played on one – pretty poorly too) but Andy goes in and finds the work, and finishes when others may struggle to.

15. Jack McGregor

Copped a bit of flak on social for his attempt on Suliasi Vunivalu last week so it’s only right that we pay credit where it’s due for McGregor’s takedown of Pete Samu (video above). Pistol Pete was in cruise control down the left wing, steaming away for what looked like a certain try. However, Jack had other things in mind. The fullback threw himself at Samu just a metre from the tryline and Pete didn’t even get close to putting it down. A great try saving effort and worthy of Team of the Week honours